What is it?
Suspension training requires placing your feet in stirrups suspended from straps attached to a thick branch or metal bar and exercise hanging upside down. Makers of the two most popular devices (TRX and Inkaflexx) claim there are more than 300 strengthening and toning moves – from knee-tucks to push-ups – that can be performed in this dangling position and it is said to work every part of the body.
Practicalities
For those not quite ready to be hoisted to the ceiling in stirrups, there is the option with some suspension training equipment of leaning back while gripping the straps to perform moves. Changing the angle of your body will make an exercise seem easier or harder.
Is it worth the rush of blood to the head?
Advocates claim the beauty of suspension training is that you can’t help engaging the core stability muscles (those closest to the spine) when you do it which is good news for posture and the back. But critics warn that the instability of suspension straps can predispose people with inadequate core strength to injury. Fabio Comana, a research scientist for the American Council on Exercise says it may be helpful to well-conditioned athletes and gym-goers, but is potentially dangerous for the less fit. “A segment of the population doesn’t have the joint integrity and the ability to stabilise their entire body when doing this,” he says.
Anything else?
Suspension classes are already up and running at some US gym chains. It can’t be long before we, too, are dangling bat-like from the ceiling, but in the meantime you can buy the TRX system and a workout DVD for around £130 from suspensionfitnesssystems.co.uk.
Expert view
Bristol Rugby club’s strength and conditioning coach, Dave Bell, describes the TRX system as “the most effective and functional piece of equipment I’ve seen for years”.
Final verdict
One for orthodox gym-worshippers only.
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